Why We Love This 7 Layer Caramel Cake Recipe
Some restaurant dishes are so good that you simply have to try making them at home. A bit of backstory: We love this little seafood restaurant in Hilton Head called Charlie’s. Although we go for the fresh fish entrees, the Caramel Cake is a MUST at the end of every meal. It includes four layers of a lovely simple white cake, with a dense fudge-like caramel frosting in between each of the four layers. But because we only get a chance to make the trip to Charlie’s occasionally and I want this cake, all the time, I decided I needed to make my own version of indulgent, satisfying caramel cake… Trust me when I say that this Southern Caramel Cake recipe is, in a word – perfect. Not only does it make the same restaurant-quality dessert you crave, but you get to lick the spoon straight out of the bowl when you make your own Salted Caramel Frosting from scratch!
Southern Carmel Cake
Southern Caramel Frosting is truly unique. It’s not soft and fluffy like traditional buttercream frosting. Instead, it’s dense and sweet, with an intentional granular texture similar to soft Mexican caramels. The sweetness of granulated sugar is rounded out by a deep salted-caramel flavor from a generous addition of salt. This fantastically rich frosting is the perfect balance to a light, airy vanilla cake. Together they create a luscious, decadent dessert that is the perfect finisher to any authentic southern meal. Make it as a special treat to enjoy after a delicious dinner of Southern Shrimp and Grits, Chicken Bog (Rice Pilaf), Chicken and Dumplings, Brown Sugar Baked Ham, or Slow Cooker Smoked Pulled Pork!
Here’s What You Need for Homemade Salted Caramel Cake
To make the fluffiest, the most tender white vanilla cake from scratch, you need:
Cake flour – or all-purpose flour + cornstarch Baking powder Baking soda Salt Granulated sugar Unsalted butter Eggs Buttermilk – store-bought or homemade Vanilla extract
Pro Tip: It’s very important to measure the flour correctly. Stir the flour in the bag to lighten it up before spooning the flour into measuring cups. Then be sure to level off the top. For the salted caramel frosting you need:
Granulated sugar Buttermilk Unsalted butter Baking soda Salt Vanilla extract
The Equipment You Need:
2 9-inch Cake Pans Parchment Paper Scissors Stand Mixer (or Hand Mixer) Rubber Spatula Mixing Bowl Spoons Mixing Pitcher Whisk Toothpick Wire Racks (Cooling Rack) Serrated Knife Plastic Wrap Baking Sheets 7-8 Quart Sauce Pot Candy Thermometer Flat Spreading Knife
How to Make Vanilla Cake
An important tip to know before you get started: Because you are slathering dense frosting over a very soft moist cake, the cake layers must be frozen before layering and frosting. This step ensures leveled delicate cake layers, that are nestled between decadent frosting. Freeze, frost, then thaw for the best caramel cake recipe. Here’s how to make the fluffiest vanilla white cake that’s perfect for layering with rich salted caramel frosting:
How to Make Caramel Frosting
No caramel cake recipe would be complete without a delicious salted caramel frosting! Here’s how to make the best, easiest southern-style salted caramel frosting:
Assembling the Southern Caramel Cake
Looking for More Decadent Southern Desserts?
Best Lemon Buttermilk Cake Southern Hummingbird Cake Cupcakes Kentucky Derby Pie Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
Check the printable recipe below for the nutrition facts on calories, protein, carbohydrates, sodium, cholesterol, and fiber. Share This Recipe With Friends!
